Page 83 of Ambush

“I’ve been doing that.” She hesitated. “I never realized having the resource of prayer was such a big deal. It’s somehow comforting to know events are outside my control and that’s okay. It makes me realize I never had the control I thought I had.”

He leaned over and cupped her face in his palms. “Some Christians go their whole lives and never articulate that.” He brushed her lips with his before releasing her. “Let’s unload this stuff and I’ll start piling up sandbags.”

“Can I help with that?”

“Sure. The boys will want to help too. It takes both of them to drag one sandbag, but they’ll love it anyway. They should be finishing their schoolwork in Mom’s office if you want to grab them.”

“I’ll be right there. Where are you putting the sandbags?”

“There’s a low spot by the lions and a bigger one by the hyenas. Let’s try to bulwark that as much as possible. I’m going to get them into their shelter before the storm hits too. There are high shelves and spots for them to hang out if the water manages to come in. I’m praying there’s no flooding though. That’s the worst-case scenario.”

She got out and grabbed several bags of groceries to take withher, while he carried the flats of water into the garage. He wasn’t worried—not yet. But he had a strange feeling tonight would not be the cozy scenario Paradise had in mind. He hoped and prayed he was wrong. A fun evening of treats and games with the boys would be welcome after the stress of the past few weeks, but their safety was his job. And not just their safety, but the welfare of the whole park depended on him.

Preparing for the storm seemed like a huge job right now. If the park had to be evacuated, how would he protect the animals? A few years ago several storms and flooding had forced a local zoo to evacuate the animals, but Blake had no idea how he could do that. He didn’t have enough trucks or even a place to take them where they’d all be safe.

All he could do was depend on God to protect them—and that was the best thing anyway.

***

Nearly bent over and faces red, the boys each carried one end of a sandbag toward the line of defense Paradise had pointed out to them. Her muscles were already sore from hefting countless bags herself, but the barricade in this area was nearly done. No rain had fallen yet, but the forecast had grown more and more ominous throughout the afternoon. The taste of rain was in the air, and greenish-black clouds billowed on the western horizon.

She helped the boys place the final bag. “Good job, guys! You worked hard. When we’re done, who wants to help me make fudge?”

Isaac’s hand shot up and Levi’s did a moment later. “Can I stir in the butter?” Isaac asked. “It’s my favorite part.”

“You sure can, and Levi can help spread it in the pan.” She stretched out the kinks in her back and glanced around for Blake.

The last glimpse she’d had of him was a distant view of him checking fences and opening gates to bring the animals out of the weather. Even the safari animals like the antelopes and zebras had lean-tos to shelter in. She turned and scanned the area near the back of the house and saw the storm shelter doors were open. Moments later he emerged with a broom. It might be safe for her down there if they had to seek shelter. She eyed the mounting clouds again. It might be necessary in the night.

“I think we’re done here, boys. Let’s get cleaned up and head for the kitchen.”

“Yay!” Isaac scampered ahead of her and Levi, who took her hand and walked with her.

“I’m glad you’re here, Paradise. Don’t ever go away, okay?” he said.

She squeezed his fingers gently. “I’m glad to be here too, big guy. Being with you and your family has been the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

She made no promises about never leaving. While she was hopeful about the future with Blake, she’d learned early in her life that circumstances might flip on a dime and upheaval could follow. It would make her happy if she never left this little corner of the world again and could watch Levi and his brother grow to manhood, but that was out of her hands.

They headed straight for the bathroom and washed up. She changed her clothes and had the boys do the same so none of them tracked sand through the house. In the kitchen she got out a heavy pan and the ingredients for fudge. She set Isaac to buttering thesquare glass dish while Levi helped her measure out sugar, cocoa, and milk. The sweet chocolaty aroma began to fill the kitchen.

A door slammed and Blake entered the kitchen. Cobwebs draped across his hair, and his grimy face told her what a mess the storm cellar must have been.

He held up blackened palms and acted as though he was going to touch her. She squealed and danced back with the wooden spatula in her hand. “Oh no, don’t you dare touch me with spidery hands. Are there spiders in your hair?” With sick fascination she watched for anything crawling on his dark hair.

“I don’t think so. I tried brushing anything living off me, but I’m going to take a shower.”

“I think that’s a very good idea.”

“I stocked the place with water, clean cots, and blankets just in case. And a few snacks as well. I put everything in spider-proof tubs and plastic bags so we’re all set for the storm season. I didn’t remember you were so scared of spiders. You face down all kinds of large creatures but run from spiders.”

She shuddered. “I can’t explain it, but I hate them. Thanks for making sure I can go down there.”

Isaac put a wet hand on her arm. “Me and Levi will protect you, Paradise. We’re good at squashing bugs.”

Blake nodded solemnly. “They are indeed. I taught them myself.”

His phone sounded, and he gingerly pulled it out. “This thing will need a bath too.” He frowned at the text message. “It’s Hez. He says Greene wants to interrogate me again, but that he’s putting it off until after the storm.”

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